I have a good property manager that essentially handles everything for me.

You need to find a brokerage that specializes in LTR's and can also handle the property management.

But a vacation rental, you'd better be ready to take calls and handle things at the most inopportune times. 

These companies typically handle the construction and sometimes even the property management, which can be a great way to enter new markets without needing to be hands-on.In terms of returns, BTR properties generally offer stable cash flow, especially in areas with strong rental demand.

What are some of the best accounting software programs that you have found for handling the rental finances?

Loan servicing companies charge for managing the loan, collecting payments, and handling escrow.

I like you experienced a lot of pain trying to find experienced and efficient property manager's in Des Moines, so we ended up starting our own full service PM to handle our portfolio needs.

For those running short term rentals, how do you handle guests who misuse your property (like the author's film set situation)?

There's less gray ways of handling this. 

Those kind of companies handle purchasing the home, renovating it then selling it to you and even property managing for you on the back end.